This is the Steiner Optics Helmet Mounted Beacon. It’s lightweight (114.5 g or 4.0 oz) and detectable by U.S. and NATO sensors.
It relies on a single CR123A offering:
WHITE LIGHT >4 HOURS
SWIR >4 HOURS
NIR >4 HOURS
WAVELENGTH
NIR (880 nm)
SWIR (1550 nm)
OUTPUT POWER
White Light 400 lumens
NIR 600 mW
SWIR 400 mW
DETECTABLE RANGE
10+ km (6+ miles)
Units and agencies can procure products seen at ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS, Inc.
If you subscribe to our newsletter, you’ve already seen the new Canadian military’s new ballistic helmet, the Batlskin Caiman from Galvion.
The new helmet is part of the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) program. Although it was initially to be fielded with two different helmet covers, DND wanted the initial showing of the helmet at CANSEC to showcase their new CADPAT Multi-Terrain pattern shown here.
BROUSSARD, LA. (June 6, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced today the launch of SUMMIT™, a three-hole shroud for tactical helmets.
With an over-molded unibody construction, the SUMMIT™ shroud is durable in even the most austere environments, featuring a high-impact polymer shroud and a fixed over-molded stainless steel insert.
“NVG mounting solutions interface directly with the stainless steel insert, ensuring a solid lockup that resists wear over time. And there is zero movement with all three axes,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “Its unibody construction makes it the lightest and strongest three-hole shroud solution available. Coupled with a lifetime warranty, it’s a smart investment you can rely on in the field.”
Yielding a more than 25% weight reduction from currently fielded NVG shrouds, the SUMMIT™ shroud provides a superior strength-to-weight ratio. It secures night vision electro-optics, lights, cameras and other accessories with a proven fit that is sturdy and reliable.
“We focus on designing components that integrate tactical systems, and a helmet is a platform on which the end user needs many different systems to run effectively together,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and president of UNITY Tactical. “We aimed to design a shroud that works seamlessly with NODs and other accessories, while also removing all the unnecessary weight. The SUMMIT shroud is a great addition to our suite of existing helmet accessory solutions.”
SUMMIT™ offers users a lifetime warranty and is available for retrofit of ArmorSource™, Avon Protection™ Ceradyne, Busch PROtective®, Galvion™, MTEK™, Ops-Core® and many other global helmet brands utilizing the standard three-hole pattern.
It is available in five FED-STD colors, including black, cam green, coyote brown, desert tan and foliage green. Custom colors available with a minimum order quantity. SUMMIT™ retails for $89 and is available for immediate delivery in individual or large quantities now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.
Savior’s new H.P.C. Rack will hold your Helmet and Plate Carrier right on a desk or tabletop.
It stands 29.5″ high and is offered in RAL 8000 Tan, Olive Drab Green, SW Gray, or Obsidian Black powder coat finished steel frame.
www.saviorequipment.com/products/hpc-rack
The Nightstalkers of the famed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) have adopted a new lightweight flight helmet called the Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet or RATH (pronounced Wrath).
Recently on display at the AAAA Summit in Nashville, the new helmet will replace HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Aircrew Ballistic Helmet (ABH) Systems which have been in service for decades. In fact, the 160th was one of the first adopters of the HGU-56/P in the 1990s.
The quest for a lightweight flight helmet which would reduce aircrew neck strain began five years ago and has taken the combined efforts of the US Army Aeromedical Research Lab, Air Force Research Lab, SOFWERX, USSOCOM and the 160th. The effort has culminated with this fielding.
Features:
• Meets / exceeds all US Army FNS / PD 96-18 Safety Requirements & Specifications
• 6 unique helmet shell sizes – does not put extra liner padding in larger sizes to create smaller sizes
• 24% average weight reduction across all sizes when compared to legacy HGU-56P helmet
• 9% increase in side-to-side field of view when compared to legacy HGU-56P helmet
• Optional ballistic applique to provide protection from small arms fire & fragments
• Ventilated carbon fiber shell with “penetration proof” Dyneema™ ballistic liner
• Koroyd™ damage control honeycomb liner with up to 18% more compression than EPS foam
• Lightweight adjustable dial suspension and retention liner assembly
• Hot swap ballistic visor can be changed in less than 30 seconds without tools
• Clear & tinted ballistic Class 1 visor
• Side mounting rails for lights & accessories
• Easy snap / release chinstrap buckle
• Quick-release ANVIS NVG shroud
• Headset can be worn independently from helmet
• Hearing pass-thru with dynamic sound suppression and volume control
• UmeCobra™ boom microphone offers an average of 10 dB improvement of legacy M-87 mic
• Gel earseals and adjustable nape pad for custom sizing and compression adjustment
In order to meet the Australian Defence Force (ADF) SOCOM requirement for a dive mask to affix to their in service Team Wendy ballistic helmet Apollo Military have inhouse developed, engineered and had manufactured in Australia, an ApolloMilitary elasticated dive mask strap that fits both the EXFIL 2.0 and 3.0 Rail Systems.
This is shown below fitted to the Apollo Bio Metal Mask Stealth (non-magnetic) which is the worlds first anti-reflective mask built specifically for special forces & EOD teams; however, alternative Apollo dive mask options can be provided dependent on end use application, inclusive options more suited for SAR or swift water rescue teams.
NSN pending.
All global enquiries for supply of this Apollo dive mask strap for your Team Wendy EXFIL Rail System to info@apollomilitary.com
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Developmental flight tests are underway for the Air Force’s new Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet here.
Engineers with the 46th Test Squadron and the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron oversee the helmet’s testing. Approximately five F-22A Raptor pilots from the 301st Fighter Squadron, a Reserve unit with the 43rd Fighter Squadron here, fly with the new lighter, cooler and more readily equipped helmet.
The NGFWH program goal is to provide pilots a more comfortable, stable, and balanced platform to accommodate helmet-mounted devices usage without imposing neck strain and discomfort to the user.
“It is common knowledge fighter pilots have long term neck and back issues,” said Maj. Brett Gedman, from the 301st Fighter Squadron. “Therefore, having a lightweight helmet, designed with the operator in mind, will have positive long-term impacts on the health of our fighter pilots during and after service.”
This series of tests marks the second round of developmental tests with the LIFT-manufactured helmet since it was awarded the contract in 2022. The NGFWH is set to replace the more than 40-year-old current model, known as HGU-55, used by all Air Force aircrew except F-35 flyers.
After each flight, the pilots report any feedback they have about wearability, visibility, communication, etc. The engineers compile that data to provide to the manufacturers. So far, outside of minor tweaks, the feedback is positive.
“The design of the helmet allows for unparalleled visibility, mobility, and comfort in the cockpit,” “The increased visibility combined with the mobility it provides made it a massive improvement over what I am used to flying with. It is clear this has been a generational leap in technology that the fighter pilot deserves, which is long overdue.”
Gedman said those factors are critical when operating in a high-G within visual range environment.
“With near peer threats narrowing the gap daily, it is critical the fighter pilots have every tactical advantage possible,” said Gedman. “Details matter, and it is coming down to the smallest details including the gear we wear.”
Along with Air Force aircrew, the new helmet also has a great effect on Aircrew Flight Equipment technicians. They are responsible for preparing, equipping, and maintaining the helmets for the aircrew.
Many flight advancements are now standard on the new helmet such as like night-vision goggle mounts and an adjustable occipital basket. With the legacy helmet, HGU-55, these items are added manually, adjusted, and fitted to the aircrew and take hours to prepare. To add a NVG mount to the legacy helmet, an AFE Airmen uses power tools to drill into the helmet to secure the bracket.
“From a pre-flight and build up standpoint, the new helmet is much better,” said Airman 1st Class Matthew Crouse, a 325th Operations Support Squadron AFE technician responsible NGFWH maintenance during the testing here. “It makes our job much easier in the long run, but because its so easy to adjust, we can make corrections if they are needed.”
When the Raptor squadrons leave Eglin soon for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the test engineers will follow for a new round testing with new pilots. Eventually, the tests will spread out to other aircraft and aircrew. The next aircraft type scheduled to test the helmets will be the HC-130J and B-1B Lancer.
By Samuel King Jr.
Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has won a major contract from the Department of National Defence (DND) Canada for its flagship Batlskin Caiman® ballistic helmet systems. The Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme contract was awarded following a full and open competition, based on meeting stringent technical requirements, as well as comprehensive end-user evaluation. The one-year framework contract will see delivery of approximately 2100 helmets and 4200 helmet covers, in two patterns, along with spare parts. There is an option to extend to 5 years, with delivery of up to 8400 additional helmets and accessories.
“The Caiman helmet system is a platform with a unique combination of agility, protection, weight reduction, and scalability, built to meet the real-world demands of the modern battlefield,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO at Galvion. “Our global team is incredibly proud of the work that we do and winning this Canadian programme shortly after our recently announced NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract will mean this best-in-class helmet will be protecting more of our NATO allies around the world.” He added: “this contract award validates everything that we are trying to achieve here at Galvion. By providing the very best technical and engineering solutions possible that are also hyper-focused on end-user insight and feedback, we help to increase the agility, lethality and survivability of those who protect us.”
